Dolores A. DePaolo, 87, of Southington passed away May 24, 2017 in Maine.

Dolores was born in Mount Vernon, NY on Dec. 10, 1929, daughter of Alice and Frank DeRenzis.

Dolores was predeceased by her sister Diane. Her sister, Anita, resides in Mesa, AZ.

Dolores attended the Katherine Grimes School in NY and moved to Southington in 1941. She graduated from Lewis High School with the class of 1947. Dolores married Joseph J. DePaolo, Sr. in 1950 in Southington from St. Thomas Church. They raised five children; Paul (married to Judith), Pamela, Val Edward, Perry (married to Tracey), and Joe, Jr. (married to Karen). Dolores’ grandchildren are; Andrew, Alicia, Michael, Joey, and Michelle. Dolores’ cousins Vickie and Gloria will be remembered for their kindness to Dolores.

Dolores was past president of the St. Thomas Ladies’ Guild and an active member of the Mother’s Circle and St. Rita’s Circle, and held meetings at her home with Rev. Dupont. Dolores was a longtime parishioner of St. Thomas Church. Dolores founded, owned, and operated Home Decorating Center during the 1970’s. She was the first woman to own and operate an interior home design business in the area, and was a successful interior designer, highly respected for her talent in creating residential room designs. She was an early pioneer in the decorating business when there were no others like it in the Southington area.

Dolores was very dedicated to her family and was a creative cook, improving on delightful recipes she learned from her grandmothers and mother over the years.

Dolores assisted her husband, Joseph, in DePaolo’s Furniture until his retirement in the late 1990’s. Dolores and Joseph worked tirelessly to help their children in their educations and their careers, supporting their various endeavors. Pamela and Val Edward own and manage DePaolo Furniture in its third generation. Perry is a mortgage originator with Liberty Bank, Paul is an IT support professional, and Joe, Jr. is an IT manager.

The Dolores A. DePaolo family would like to thank the medical professionals who helped Dolores and treated her with great care and compassion over the years, especially Dr. Ralph Prezioso, Dr. Leo Veleas, and the Bradley Hospital staff. We are very grateful for the personal attention they gave her.

The funeral will be held on Friday at 9:15 a.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington to St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol St., Southington for a Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4-8 p.m.

For online condolences and directions please visit, www.dellavecchiafh.com

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father and husband William”Bill” LaVorgna after a hard fought three year battle with cancer. Bill entered a foster home at the age of three  with his two brothers and one sister. He was raised on the Cassella Farm in Hamden and in 1974 moved to Wallingford with his wife and two children where he remained until downsizing and moving to Southington in 2012 where he met so many wonderful neighbors.  He worked in the trucking industry, spending most of his career as an operations manager at Carrano Express in Northford.  In addition to his loving and dedicated wife of 50 years, Alberta, he leaves daughters Lisa (Paul) DiNicola and Kristie(Toni) LaVorgna. He also leaves one sister, Tina and many nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was predeceased by his biological parents Anthony and Teresa (Giannotti) LaVorgna, foster parents Maria and Anthony Cassella and brothers Daniel and Anthony. Bill loved gardening and landscaping and took great pride in his perfectly manicured green lawn. In the summer he would grow the biggest and best tomatoes that he shared with many. His newest hobby was making homemade wine in the basement with his buddy, Paolo “Tony” Maglio. He enjoyed a glass each night with dinner.  Bill loved to cook for his family and travel with his wife. He and Alberta took many trips together, his favorite being Italy but he equally enjoyed staying local and going to Stony Creek and Silver Sands. His family would like to thank the many people who called, visited and gave support during this difficult time, with a special thank you to Toni who Bill loved like a  daughter and Anne Bishop, and Mae Saucier who were both there every day for anything we needed. The family requests that donations be made in Bill’s memory to The Sisters’ Project (www.thesistersproject.org) P.O. Box 1643 Wallingford, CT. 06492 or Yale New Haven Hospital at www.givetoynhh.org

His family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, June 3, from 9 to 11 a.m. in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext.  A funeral service will follow in the funeral home at 11 a.m.  Interment will be in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford.  Wallingford & Yalesville Funeral Homes

www.wallingfordfh.com

Harold E. Gerrish Jr., 93, of Southington, husband of the late Laura Gerrish, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, May 29, 2017.

Born in Rockland, ME on May 4, 1924, he was one of six children to the late Eula (Barter) and Harold E. Gerrish, Sr.  Having a lifelong love for the ocean, Harold enlisted in the US Navy, serving his country proudly during WWII, witnessing serious action that he never cared to speak about until later in his life when he penned his memoir, Vignettes of a Time Long Passed.  He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maine, and settled in Southington with Laura in 1955 where they raised their four children.  One of the last of the Greatest Generation, Harold was a hard worker and provider for his family.  Remembered as a laconic, yet a very bright and accomplished man, he was a craftsman, a ham radio enthusiast, an avid reader, and later, an author, who leaves his family with many cherished memories.

He is survived by his children, Harold E.”Jerry” Gerrish, III, and his wife, Cheryl, Deborah Hilliker, Donald Gerrish and Jason Gerrish and his wife, Jenna; his grandchildren, Michael Gerrish, Shelby Helliker, Emily and Sarah Gerrish and two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Erica Gerrish.  Predeceased by his sisters, Mary and Beverly, he leaves his brothers, Vernon and Wayne, and his sister Violette Orr and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067.

Honoring Harold’s wishes, his family will celebrate his life privately.  Plantsville Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlantsvilleFuneralHome.com

Edmund J. Sterniak, 100, of Southington, beloved husband for 72 years to the late Sophia “Sue” Sterniak, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on May 30, 2017.

Born in Naugatuck, CT on August 11, 1916, son of the late Joseph J. and Mary (Dutkowska) Sterniak, Ed graduated from Naugatuck High School where he participated in all sports.  In 1936 he was the captain of the basketball team and organized the golf team.  Ed was also Vice President of the Junior and Senior High School Classes.  He attended Providence College in Rhode Island on football and basketball scholarship until he returned to CT so he could provide financial support to his parents.

Ed played on the US Rubber Company basketball team, winning the 1937 State Industrial Championship.  He also played semi-pro football in Naugatuck and Waterbury.

On March 9, 1943, Ed married Sophia Klepacki at Immaculate Conception Church, officiated by Rev. Alexander Tanski.

Ed served in the US Army-Field Artillery 86^th Blackhawk Division, in WWII.  Upon returning to Southington, Ed was a part-time Physical Education Instructor at the YMCA.  He was appointed Supernumerary Police Officer, and was a member of the Town Safety Committee from 1945-1948.

Ed worked full time at New Britain Machine Company, playing basketball in the New Britain Industrial League at the old Stanley Arena, winning three City, two State, and one Eastern States Championships.  He won the Most Valuable Player “Waskowicz” award in 1948.

On March 1, 1949, Ed passed the entrance exam and was appointed by Commissioner Edward j. Hickey to attend the Connecticut State Police Academy in Bethany, graduating in June.  Ed completed “on the job” highway safety and assorted departmental assignments with Ford cruisers and Harley Davidson motorcycles, under Captain Ralph Buckley and Sgt. Vernon Gedney.  On November 3, 1949, Ed was assigned to the Canaan barracks, where he was allowed to go home one day per week.

In 1951, he was reassigned to the Hartford barracks.  He worked under five different commanders, conducting assorted duties including highway safety, patrolling the Berlin turnpike, before traffic light control, and plain clothes detective investigations.  He was substitute chauffeur for Commissioner E.J. Hickey, Judges Molloy and Cotter, Secretary of State Mildred Allen and Governor Abraham Ribicoff.  In 1955, he was marooned/lived in his cruiser for five days in Collinsville until the US army Corp of Engineers constructed a Bailey Bridge over the Farmington River.

In July, 1959, Commissioner Leo J. Mulcahy transferred Sterniak into the State Fire Marshal’s office at headquarters under Major Carroll E. Shaw, Deputy Fire Marshal.  In that capacity, he attended Fire Arson Investigation Public Safety Seminars at the University of Connecticut, Purdue University in Indiana, and Rutgers University in New Jersey.  Ed handled or assisted in many of the major fire events in Connecticut during 1959-1969, including the Hartford Hospital fire (16 deaths) Norwich tannery (5 deaths, including a fireman) Old Wethersfield State Prison (5 arson fires), Rocky Hill gasoline bulk storage fire, Danbury business section fires, Danielson Restaurant fire, suspicious fires in South Windsor, Essex boat marina fire, suspicious firework aerial pieces fortified with sticks of dynamite in Woodbridge, Norwich leather factory fire (5 dead firemen), Greenwich RR electrocution, Norwalk flammable liquid (10,000 gallons of gasoline) spill into the harbor, Stearns Dairy Farm barn fire in Mansfield, suspicious barn fires in Prospect and special belated fire investigation for the state of Maine in Oxford, ME which resulted in the deaths of 4 adults and 4 children.  Ed supervised fire safety at the Danbury Fair for six years, along with assignments at all race tracks, circuses, carnivals, and motion picture theatres, (existing and new construction).  He conducted the first statewide inspections of highway hazardous cargos.

Ed also found time to organize golf matches for Troop H with Massachusetts and Rhode Island Police Departments and he coached Troop h and Headquarters basketball teams with Hartford and local teams.

He received many meritorious citations for outstanding police service and retired as a Sergeant after 22 years with the Connecticut State police Department.  He then accepted the position of Fire Prevention Supervisor was assistant to his CSP “boss” Carroll E. Shaw, who was hired as Yale University’s first Fire Marshal in October 1969 to set up a Fire Prevention/protection program as the University, after the Art and Architecture Building fire in 1968.  Shaw’s contract with Yale ended in 1972 and Sterniak became Yale’s second Fire Marshal after Shaw’s departure.  As the University Fire Marshal, Sterniak conducted all fire investigations/inspections of all Yale University buildings in New Haven, working with eh New Haven Fire marshal and building departments.  He also checked Yale University properties in other CT towns and in NY.

Ed attended the NFPA conferences in St. Louis, MO, Houston, TX, Chicago, IL, and Underwriter’s Laboratories in Northbrook, IL.  He participated in benchmarking efforts with Princeton, and Harvard Fire Marshals.  Sterniak attended the State Fire Marshall Building Inspector and New England Fire Marshal Monthly and Annual Meetings.

Ed retired from Yale University in 1992, receiving the Cup and Saucer from Morey’s Famous Restaurant and Yale University armchair from work associates.

Sterniak, an avid golfer, was a very active teenage caddy, scored eight “holes in one”, the first at East Mountain Golf Course in Waterbury in 1940, the next three at Southington CC, one in 1964 and then two more within three weeks of each other (July 15 and August 2, 1993) He also scored four aces in Florida (4/11/84, 5/3/97, 1/15/99, 3/20/99).  Ed was a golf member over the years at East Mountain, Southington CC, Golf Club of Avon, Yale University Golf Club, and Sun City, FL-King’s Point Golf Course.  Ed participated in the Senior Golf League for 20 years, and was a chairman of the league for 10 years. Ed played in the Senior League for the last time in summer of 2006 at the age of 90.

Ed was a life member (60 years) of the American Legion, Post #72 in Southington, CT, CT Fire Marshal’s Association, New England Fire Marshal’s Association, CT Building Inspector’s Association, charter member and first Treasurer of the CT State police Academy Alumni Association.

Ed was also a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Southington, CT since March 1943.  He served on the first Parish Council under Rev. Theodore Gubala.  While in FL for the winters, Ed was a ‘Snowbird Parish Member” at Prince of Peace Church in Sun City Center, FL, where he served as Recording Secretary for the Sun City Center Polish American Club for 6 years.

Besides his loving wife, Sophia, who predeceased him in 2015, Ed is survived by his devoted family; son Edmund, Jr. of Southington, son Ronald and wife, Nancy of Canton, MI, daughter, Susan, who returned to Southington after 31 years in CO, grandson, Jeffrey and his wife, Diana in MI, grandson, Joel, a PA state trooper and wife, Kelly; and great-grandchildren, Lucas, Erica, and Verity of MI.  Ed is also survived by his last remaining sibling, Ann, widow of Victor Verbyla.  Additional nieces, nephews, and cousins live in Southington, Naugatuck, North Carolina, Florida, New York, New jersey, and Maine.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 9 a.m. from Plantsville Funeral Home 975 S. Main St, Plantsville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 130 Summer St, Southington.  Committal services will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery.  Family and friends may gather on Friday evening, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.

For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlantsvilleFuneralHome.com

Charles R. Shea, 85, of Southington, passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Southington Care Center. He was the husband of Beverly (Rich) Shea.

He was born July 22, 1931 the son of the late Harry and Marie (Stohl) Shea. He was the owner and operator of Charles R. Shea Plumbing and Heating Co., served as a Police Supernumerary and was Dept. Head at E. C. Goodwin Technical School where he retired. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Korean Conflict as a Corporal.

Besides his wife he is survived by a son Michael Shea and his wife Sharon of Terryville and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He also leaves his “adopted” son Nathan Primus. He was predeceased by his brothers, Harry, John, Robert, Thomas and Theodore.

The Funeral will be held Monday 9:15 a.m. from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington to St. Dominic Church at 10 a.m. Calling hours will be Sunday 4-6 p.m. Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of Flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Southington Care Center Recreational Dept., 45 Meriden Ave. Southington, CT 06489 or Ct. Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd. Newington, CT 06111. For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com

Elaine Elizabeth (Lacilla) Albino, 81, of Waterbury and Matunuck Point, RI, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 15, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  She was the loving wife of George Albino.

Elaine was born in Waterbury, CT on September 16, 1935, daughter of the late Frank and Elizabeth (Cipriani) Lacilla. She graduated from Wilby High School Class of 1953. She worked at North American Bank for 15 years and later at the Law Firm of Moore, O’Brien and Foti for 10 years until her retirement. She then volunteered for both Waterbury and St. Mary’s Hospitals until her illness wouldn’t allow it in 2015. She was a proud homemaker loving to cook and take care of her family. She enjoyed spending her summers in Matunuck Point, RI with her family. She was a lifelong communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

Besides her husband George of 60 years, Elaine leaves behind her three children; Deborah Dodenhoff and her husband Dr. Robert Dodenhoff of Middletown, Kenneth Albino and Maria Miele of Jupiter, FL and David Albino and his wife Kathleen of Southington, a brother, Dennis Lacilla and his wife Estee of Southbury, her four grandchildren who she loved and adored; Lt. Michael Dodenhoff (USN) Lemoore, CA, Robert Dodenhoff of Watertown and his fiancée Alyssa Santopietro of Bethlehem, Blake Albino of NYC and Jovanna Albino of Ft. Meyers, FL and several nieces and nephews.

Elaine’s family would like to sincerely thank her guardian angel caregiver Andrea Nemeth and special caregiver Josephine DiFronzo for the exceptional care and compassion shown and administered to Elaine during her illness. They are forever grateful.

Funeral will be held Friday, May 19, 2017 at 8:30 AM at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.  Calling hours will be held Thursday evening, 4–7 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Elaine’s memory to either: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148, or Our Lady of Mount Carmel Restoration Fund, 785 Highland Ave., Waterbury, CT 06708

For more info or to send e-condolences visit: www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com

Glenn Alan Cochrane, 53, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2017.

Born in Bristol on November 22, 1963, Glenn was one of three sons to Shirley (Grimm) Cochrane of Plantsville and the late Donald Cochrane,

A lifelong resident of Southington, he was a 1981 graduate of Southington High School.  Remembered as a jack of all trades, Glenn could land any job he applied for, and most recently, fulfilled his love for cooking, working at various restaurants at the casinos.  Throughout his struggles, his optimism and positive attitude shined through to all he met.

In addition to his mother, Shirley, he leaves his daughters, Jessica Cochrane and Kristin Prendergast and her husband, Marc, and his first grandchild on the way.  He also leaves his brothers, Jay Cochrane, and Dean Cochrane and his wife, Lori; his nieces and nephews, Daron, Clifford, Reanna, Brooke, and Kamryn; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Glenn may be remembered with contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Glenn’s family will celebrate his life privately.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlantsvilleFuneralHome.com

Costantino “Tino” Dangelo, 53, of Southington, formerly of Milford, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at St. Francis Hospital.

Born in Buffalo, NY on September 25, 1963, he was one of six children to the late Anthony and Frances (Marra) Dangelo.  Raised in Hyde Park, NY, he was a graduate of F.D. Roosevelt High School, and went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Hartford and his Master’s Degree in Finance from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity.  He married Lee Ann (Chupka) in 1997 and they settled in Milford where they raised two adored daughters, relocating to Southington three years ago.  Tino worked as an engineer for Yankee Gas, now Eversource Energy, for close to twenty years.  A golf enthusiast, he also had a passion for cooking, especially with his daughters.  He took great pride in making his specialty, homemade pasta, for family and friends.  Tino always cheered for the Buffalo Bills. A man of strong Christian faith, he found much support throughout his illness as a member of the Faith Living Church community. Tino will be missed dearly by his family and wide circle of friends, leaving many cherished memories.

In addition to his wife, Lee Ann, he leaves his daughters, Gianna and Gabriella; his sisters, Rosary Ann Hoffnagle, her husband, Bob, and their children, Phil and Bobby Dale, Francine Green, her husband, Michael and their daughters, Sarah and Katie, Debby Dangelo, and Bernadette Fults and her husband, Walter; his brother, Nelson Dangelo, his wife, Deb and their children, Bernadette and Anthony; 5 great nieces and nephews; and his mother and father- in-law,  Andrew and Janice Chupka, Jr. of Torrington.

Funeral services in celebration of Tino’s life will be held on Monday, at 11 a.m. at Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St, Plantsville.  Family and friends may gather before the service, from 9-11 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Tino may be remembered with donations to the Dangelo Education Fund established for his daughters at TD Bank.  Checks should be made out to the Dangelo Education Fund and mailed to Mrs. Karen Veltri, 1433 Flanders Road, Southington, CT 06489.

For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlantsvilleFuneralHome.com

Jodi L. (Kubala) Cirillo, 53, beloved mother and sister, and wife of the late John Cirillo, passed away following a brief illness on Thursday, June 1.

Born in Southington on September 4, 1963, she was one of four children to the late Julian and Valerie (Danieleski) Kubala.  A lifelong resident, Jodi was a graduate of Southington High School.  Always one to help others in need, Jodi went on to receive her nursing degree, working for several area nursing homes and hospitals.  She had a special place in her heart for animals, and gave back to her community through her many years of volunteering at Bread for Life.  She was a clever woman, with and admirable strength and resilience, and an unforgettable quick wit and sense of humor.  She will be greatly missed, leaving a legacy of selflessness and love.

Jodi is survived by her son, Michael Delfino of Southington; her sisters, Julie Adams and Holly Charmut, both of Southington; and her brother, Thomas Kubala of SC; along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may gather in celebration of Jodi’s life on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, from 5-7 p.m. at Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St, Plantsville.  Words of remembrance will be held at 7 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, Jodi may be remembered with contributions to Bread for Life, PO box 925, Southington, CT 06489.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlantsvilleFuneralHome.com

Patricia A. (Burns) Germaine, 87, of Plantsville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 with her family by her side.

Born in New Britain on September 8, 1929, Patricia was one of eleven children to the late Edward and Mary (Hanley) Burns, and took great pride in her Irish heritage.  She was a graduate of the University of Hartford, where she wrote for her college newspaper, and earned her Associates Degree in Technical Arts. She retired from the State of Connecticut in 1989 after 18 years in the Department of Social Services.  A devoted mother to her seven children, she enjoyed reading, writing, and anything related to the English language, including crossword puzzles.  A sport enthusiast, she was a proud Red Sox fan, liked to watch tennis, and was a talented quilter.  Above all, she was a caring mother and grandmother, who leaves a legacy of love for her family, and many cherished memories.

She is survived by her children, Peter and his wife, Jackie of Watertown, Timothy and his wife, Jane of Ventura, CA, Gary of New Britain, David and his wife, Tammy of Bristol, and Michelle Spagnoletti and her husband, Peter of Plymouth; seven grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her sons, Henri and Michael, four brothers and six sisters.

Funeral services in celebration of Patricia’s life will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St, Plantsville.   Committal services will follow at South End Cemetery.  Family and friends may gather one hour before the service, from 10-11 a.m.

For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlantsvilleFuneralHome.com

Juliet Leether Sweeney, 56 of Santa Fe, NM passed away on May 5, after a long illness and complications from surgery.

Julie graduated from Southington High School in 1978. She lived around the country with her husband of 24 years, Jack Sweeney including Portland, Maine; Lake Skaneateles, New York; Cedarburg, Wisconsin; Somerville, South Carolina; and most recently Sante Fe, New Mexico.

Julie leaves behind her beloved husband, Jack; a son, John M. Silver; her mother, Ann Leether; siblings John, Catherine and Deborah and their families; along with stepsons, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Known to many as “Red,” Julie welcomed everyone with open arms and will be missed greatly by her family and many friends.

Linda Rae (Casey) Lorenzo, 71, of Meriden, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2017 at John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington. She was the wife of Jose Lorenzo.

She was born in Marardis, ME the daughter of the late Issac Dalton Casey and Fern (Chase) Casey Stevens.  Prior to her retirement she was employed by Teleco Oil Field Services.

Linda was an avid knitter, she had a love for animals and she devoted her life to her son Shawn.

In addition to her husband she is survived by her children, Jennifer Jones of Middletown, Susan Calvanese of Meriden, John P. Jones of Southington, Stacey Jones and Shawn Reily both of Meriden, 15 grandchildren and 14  great grandchildren. She also leaves 2 brothers Richard Casey of NC and George Casey of Southington and a sister Betsy White of SC.

She was predeceased by a daughter Kathleen Ann Jones and a brother Larry Casey and a sister Rene McGraw.

A memorial service will be held on Monday at 6 pm at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington. Calling hours will be prior from 4-6 pm

Donations may be made in her memory to the John J. Nerden RTC Camp, PO Box 2617, Meriden, CT 06451

For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com

Richard Lee Ainsworth, 80, passed away peacefully June 3rd after a long and hard fought battle with Alzheimer’s disease just short of his 81st birthday.

He was born June 8, 1936, the son of the late Richard and Louise (DePaolo) Ainsworth in Springfield Massachusetts. He graduated from West Springfield High School and went on to Florida State University where he earned a BS degree in Baking Science and Business Management. He was a varsity cheerleader all four years and a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

He married his wife of almost 59 years Louise Morin on August 16, 1958. They lived in Tallahassee for his senior year. After graduation he began his career with Wonder Bread and Hostess Cake in East Hartford and stayed with them until he retired in 2001. His career included many promotions and moves over the years. The family made their final move to Sandy Hook CT in 1976. He is a 41 year communicant at Saint Rose of Lima Church in Newtown where he is a member of the Knights of Columbus for Virgilius Council 185.

Besides his wife he leaves four children Steven and his wife Kimberly of Prior Lake Minnesota, Michael of Springhill Florida, William and his wife Claudia of Woodbury CT and Diane Morton and her husband Rick of North Granby CT. The couple were blessed with 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren with one more on the way. He also leaves two brothers-in-law and two  sisters–in-law as well as four nephews, a niece and too many cousins to count.

Richard had a lifelong love of cooking and baking. He was best known for his bread,rolls and pizza. He was happiest when feeding a lot of People. He had many other hobbies and interest over the years. Richard was an outgoing and friendly person. Enjoyed striking up conversations with strangers and he was always ready to help anyone who needed it. He will be greatly missed by friends and family. The grandchildren especially will miss hearing grampy say ” help yourself don’t be bashful”.

His Funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 10:45 am from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington to Mary Our Queen Church, 248 Savage St. Plantsville, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am. Burial will be at South End Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Monday, June 12, 2017 from 4-7 pm.

Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association www.ALZ.org or Vitas Healthcare 199 Park Rd. Ext. Suite 102 Middlebury, CT 06762.

For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com

Shellyann DeMarco of Southington mother of Michael St. John Jr., Ashley St. John with whom she lived and Nicholas St.John of FL, passed away unexpectedly on June 1, 2017 at home. She was 53.

Shellyann was born in Southington on July 20, 1963, daughter of the late Charles DeMarco and the late Patricia A. (Corriveau) Caulkins. Besides her children, Shellyann leaves her three grandchildren Tatum, Cayden and Kaylianna. She was predeceased by her brother Christian O’Sullivan.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. The DellaVecchia Funeral Home is assisting the family.

For online condolences visit www.dellavecchiafh.com

James Thielman, 56, of Meriden, formerly of Southington, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2017.

Born in Southington on April 28, 1961, he was one of two sons to the late Franklin and Stanlene (Mellows) Thielman.  A liflelong resident, he was a graduate of Southington High School.  Jimmy had an admiration for the Beatles, and was a well know guitar player and member of the band Swift Kick, with whom he played at many local and statewide venues.  He will be missed by his family, friends, bandmates and fans.

He is survived by his brother, Franklin Thielman, Jr. and his wife, Sally of Southington; his nieces, Jessica Lagassey, Kati Valenti, and Megan Thielman; and several aunts, uncles, cousins.

Family and friends may gather on Thursday evening, from 5-7 p.m. at Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St, Plantsville.  Words of remembrance will be shared at 7 p.m.

For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlantsvilleFuneralHome.com

Albina M. (LaSala) Mugica, 87, of Plantsville, CT., formerly of Somerville, Mass. passed unexpectedly, May 31.

Beloved wife of the late Rufino G. Mugica. Dear and devoted mother of Maria A. Toppi and her husband, Thomas of Plantsville, CT. and Wayne Scott Mugica and his wife, Annarita of Manchester, NH. Sister of James LaSala of Milton, Anthony LaSala of Everett, Thomas LaSala of Chelmsford, and the late Louis, Henry and Pasquale LaSala and Mary Messina. Loving grandmother of Thomas and Shawna Toppi and Ashley, Nicholas, and Alexis Mugica. Albina is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her calling hours and funeral were held in Everett, Mass. and she was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. She was a member of the Sorella de Italia in America in Southington, and a proud member of the Southington YMCA.

There will be a memorial mass for friends and family on Saturday, July 8, at 11 a.m., at St. Aloysius Church, Burritt St. in Plantsville.

Frederick H. Nowak, age 91, died on Sunday June 11, 2017 at the Summit Nursing Home in Plantsville. CT.

He was born in New Hampton, Iowa, the only son of Edward and Adele Nowak. Fred enjoyed both listening to and playing music. He played several instruments including the piano, organ, violin and recorder. Classical and jazz were among his favorite genres.

After marrying his wife Emilie Bachtrog, and moving to NYC in the early 50s. He attended the Cooper Union School of Engineering night’s while working full time days, and was then employed by Otis Elevator where he worked for over 40 years. At the time of his retirement he had held over 20 patents. Fred was a selfless man who always thought of others first.

He was predeceased by his wife Emilie, and his grandson Erik. He leaves behind a son Edward Nowak, a daughter Linda Belcourt and husband Ronald Belcourt, a granddaughter Laura Lanza, a grandson Edward Nowak, and a great grandson Orion Lanza. He was loved by his family, and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be private. The DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington is assisting the family. For online condolences please visit, www.dellavecchiafh.com

Cynthia E. (Almeida) Parent age 62 of Plantsville, passed away unexpectedly at Saint Mary’s Hospital on Saturday, June 3, 2017 after an extended illness. She was the wife of Thomas J. Parent.

Cynthia was born August 5, 1954 in Waterbury, the daughter of the late Joseph and Delores (Amigo) Almeida and a granddaughter of the late Jesus and Louise Amigo. Cynthia attended Sacred Heart High School and graduated from Waterbury Catholic High School, Class of 1972. She worked for many years at her family’s firm, New England Die Co.

Cynthia was a caring and loving person who always put her husband and family ahead of everything else. She loved to travel especially loved the beach and was an avid bowler. An all around good and caring person, she will be sadly missed and loved by her family and dear friends. She was a member of St Aloysius Church in Plantsville.

Besides her husband Tom of 35 years, she is survived by her daughters; Jennifer and her husband, Peter of Ellington, Brenda and her husband, Richard of Cherry Hill NJ and Taylor Kristine Parent of Plantsville with whom Cynthia made her home. She also leaves her brother, Joseph Almeida Jr and his wife, Shelley of Watertown, her beloved grandchildren; Lincoln, Kayden and Gia, her nieces, Marissa and Samantha and her nephew, Bryant. She also leaves her best friend always, Danielle Cormier of Waterbury.

She was predeceased by her son, Brandon T. Parent of Waterbury.

Funeral services for Mrs. Parent will be held on Thursday June 8, 2017 at 10:00 AM when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Aloysius Church, 256 Burritt St. Plantsville CT. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial with rites of committal will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury. Friends and relatives may visit with Cynthia’s family on Wednesday June 7, 2017 from 7:00 – 9:00pm at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home 1987 East Main St @ Southmayd Rd. Waterbury, CT 06705.

To leave an online condolence or for additional information, kindly visit the funeral home website at www.eastsidememorial.com.

Anthony M. Matarazzo, 90, of Southington passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at home after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. He was the husband of the late Pearl (Hall) Matarazzo.

He was born in Southington on May 12, 1927, the son of the late Frank and Julia (Mongillo) Matarazzo.   He was an Army Veteran of WWII. Prior to his retirement Anthony co-owned and operated the Country Restaurant in Plantsville for many years.

He is survived by his two grandsons Michael and Anthony Bohlman both of Southington, a great granddaughter Natasha Bohlman and a great-great grandson Kay Jay. He was predeceased by a daughter Catherine Bohlman.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday at 11 am St. Dominic Church, 1050 Flanders Rd. Burial with military honors will be at St. Thomas Cemetery.  Calling hours will be at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St.  on Wednesday morning from 9:30 am to10:30 am.

For online condolences visit www.dellavecchiafh.com

Roger Blanchette, 66, of Kensington, passed away on June 17, 2017 at his home. He was the beloved husband of Virginia “Gini” (Szalapski) Blanchette.

Born September 27, 1950, he was the son of the late Rene Joseph and Beulah Mary (Albert) Blanchette.

Shortly after graduating second in his class at Connecticut School of Electronics, Roger opened OPCO, his own Computer Consulting  business providing custom built hardware and software for small to medium area businesses.  Due to medical issues he was forced to close the business but continued to provide expert technical support to friends and family.  Roger’s real passion was music, he was an accomplished guitar player and spent his time playing, writing and producing his own music.

In addition to his wife he is survived by two brothers, Ray Blanchette and wife Kathleen of Torrington and Russell and wife Cathy of Southington and a sister Robin Blanchette of New Britain. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and friends.

Services and burial will be private. His family extends an invitation to gather at Nuchie’s Restaurant, 164 Central St., Bristol for a time of food, fellowship and memories on Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington is assisting the family with the arrangements. His family request donations may be made to the, CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd., Newington, CT 06111.

For online condolences please visit, www.dellavecchiafh.com